In The Spotlight – Tom Auber

Next up in our Spotlight series is Tom Auber. Tom just got promoted into the International Team and already proofed his skills riding for Fanatic France before. In January he won the Glagla SUP Race with 500 competitors and in December he finished 4th in the Paris SUP Crossing with 700 starters, so for sure he has the potential for more. Read hereafter what Tom is up to!

Let’s rewind to the start of 2017 – how are you looking back on the season?
2017 was a great year for me so far, I had the opportunity to travel to some new events, meet new people and discover great places. I also had good times sharing sessions with my family and friends, what is really important for me. I hope that 2018 will be at least as good!

Highs and lows?
I had a pretty bad Long Distance Race during the Pacific Paddle Games (the biggest event of the year), but a few hours later I had my best result ever with a 6th place in the Technical Race.

Did you do anything different in terms of training and did it makes a difference?
Since 2016 I am working with the best coach Vincent Guillaume. He is improving my training on all levels and I feel that I benefit a lot.

What is your favorite board in your portfolio you would never toss?
My favorite board is for sure the Falcon, this is the board you can use everywhere and in any types of conditions. I also love to catch some waves on my ProWave.

Who do you look up to and why for inspiration in Stand Up Paddling and outside of the sport ?
The guy who inspires me the most is definitly Kai Lenny. He is for sure the perfect waterman and the perfect icon for our sports .

What advice would you give to young grooms?
I think that the most important thing for the youngsters is to have fun on the water and to enjoy every session. Like that they can focus on a daily training and work hard to get on top one day. But the main issue is to do it with passion!

Who do you credit as part of your success?
First, I credit my dad who passed me his passion, supported me wherever he could and was my first “fan”. Thanks also to Stan and Grego Sobzyck from Sport Maximum, who gave me my first SUP board in combination with a good spirit that I will always share! Finally I am happy to have the best sponsors who give me the relevant support to enjoy some great experiences!

Where do you see your futur in the sport/immediate and long term plans?
I hope that I will be able to practice this sport for a long time. I would love to see the SUP racing in the Olympics games one day, competing there would be my biggest dream!
Funniest moment on tour from 2017?
My funniest moment was during my Oregon trip with the Teulade brothers and the Garrioud family. I also had great fun with the French crew in California!

Flatwater or waves?
Waves!

Home or Hawaii?
I would say home because I have never been to Hawaii. But I think that Hawaii is definitely better during the cold winter months in France!

Open ocean or lake?
Open ocean!

Big winds or big waves?
Big winds because downwinding is the most fun thing to do on a SUP racer. However I would definitley love to surf some big waves one day.

What do you expect from your winter training and what skills do you want to improve?
My main goal is to improve my long distance and downwind skills, I have to get better on that to attack the top riders next season!

Finally, what are you looking forward for 2018?
I am really looking forward to compete in the International Paddle League this season, that will be my main project. But I also want to continue to compete on the nationals events in order to promote my brand and compete together with my brother. Besides this I am looking forward to spend some good times on the water SUPing, Windsurfing, Surfing, Kiteboarding and Foiling!